Goodness

The simplicity of the word "goodness" often eludes us as we search for bigger accolades in honoring those so deserving. As our society stretches to find new cliché we often lose the essence of humility. When travelling through Africa the most profound statement I heard from an elderly gentlemen strolling along a sandy Sunday afternoon was, "The saddest time in a man's life is when he doesn't need a neighbor." The statement has punctured my soul deeper each day as we strive so desperately in our western cultures to prove our worth. Yet, we live in a society riddled with depression, loneliness, and suicide by many wanting approval, for their existence. I observed hundreds of children in Africa with absolutely no possessions but the cloths on their backs. I found profound depth and goodness in them, it was I that so longed for them to come home to Canada and show us pure joy, laughter, forgiveness, hope, appreciation, gratitude and humanity. I'd been sent there to collaborate with teachers and administrators and within days I was brought to tears by their ingenuity, genuine care for their colleagues, I knew I would never look at life the same.

In our race to compete in every aspects of our lives we've lost the earnest ability to see one another's humanness. Our desire to be loved for who we are doesn't seem enough. Many are more concerned with a list of letters, awards, abilities, honors, and even praises. What happened to goodness, pure goodness,

Tomorrow look into the crowd and honor each person for their goodness, that you may or may not see, but in all of us we are seeded with love, and if allowed to flourish it will bloom. It's a state of mind that we choose each day to reside in, even in the complexity of our lives. When we search for goodness it is ever present in each and every moment. See it in all people you meet and it will come alive.